Busia Institute to build model teacher bungalows

The Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD) has announced plans to initiate a programme to build model bungalows for headteachers in remote areas of the country, using alternative materials that are less costly but durable.

The programme, aimed at promoting rural development, seeks to address the challenge of inadequate accommodation for teachers in rural communities, which hampers smooth teaching and learning.

"We believe that decent housing is not just a shelter but a foundation for thriving communities," the Executive Director of the BIRDD, Anane Agyei, told the Daily Graphic.

 "We intend to use local materials and innovative spirits to build model teachers' bungalows that will be decent and less costly," he said.

Partnership

Mr Agyei said the institute planned to partner with the government, real estate developers and other stakeholders in the housing and rural development sector to carry out the initiative.

He added that the programme was inspired by the government's district housing initiative announced by the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at the Busia Institute lecture held at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Rural development

Mr Agyei said the Busia Institute lecture highlighted the need for concrete steps to address rural development challenges, adding that the institute's initiative aimed to provide a practical solution to the housing challenge facing rural communities, with the potential to be replicated nationwide.

“The Busia Institute does not want the lecture to end without concrete steps. We intend to sieve the ideas from the lecture and practicalise them to guide policy formulation and development.

“To this end, we want to initiate a programme or project where we select remote areas in the country and build model bungalows for head teachers," Mr Agyei said.

“When we succeed in this, whether one, two or three, we can replicate it in other parts of the country in championing the rural development initiative, which the institute is committed to," he said.

The lecture was on the theme “Housing the Future: Innovative approaches to rural development in Ghana,” was chaired by Tetrete Okuamoa Sekyim II, Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area in Western Region, with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Oppong Nkrumah, as the keynote speaker.

Promoting rural development

Dr Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, who represented former President John Kufuor, the Life Patron of the Busia Institute, commended the BIRDD for its continued progress and commitment to its vision of promoting rural development.

“As the Life Patron of the Busia Institute, President Kufuor is delighted to see the institute's continued commitment to promoting rural development and democratic values, which align very well with the vision of our late leader, Professor K. A. Busia’s life and work demonstrated a deep commitment to the care and welfare of humanity,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, emphasised the university’s dedication to pioneering innovative solutions in housing and rural development.

He commended the Busia Institute for its leadership and commitment to driving progress in those areas, acknowledging its significant contribution to national development.

By embracing cutting-edge approaches, TTU aims to complement the Busia Institute's efforts and collectively make a meaningful impact on Ghana's growth and development.

Background

The Busia Institute is a think tank and research centre dedicated to advancing democratic governance, rural transformation and sustainable development.

The establishment of the Busia Institute was inspired by the vision and ideals of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia, Ghana's Prime Minister in the Second Republic (1969-1972).